Events

Hanna Galloway-Hillestad
Program Manager, Texas A&M Institute for Equine Sciences
Hanna Galloway-Hillestad is the Program Manager for the Texas A&M Institute for Equine
Sciences, a position she has held since January 2017. In this role, she plays an integral part in the
development and execution of programs that enhance the university’s equine-related initiatives.
Prior to her current role, Hanna gained valuable experience as an administrative assistant to Dr.
Jim Heird, where she further honed her organizational and leadership skills.

Hanna was recognized as an Outstanding Young Professional by the Department of Recreation,
Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University in April 2024 for her outstanding
achievements associated with the Equine Institute and the Thomas G. Hildebrand, DVM ’56
Equine Complex.

Hanna earned her Master of Science in Recreation and Resources Development in 2019 from
Texas A&M University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, following her Bachelor of
Science in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences in 2015. During her time at Texas A&M, she
also gained hands-on experience as an intern at the Thomas G. Hildebrand, DVM ’56 Equine
Complex, deepening her knowledge of the equine industry.

While at Texas A&M, Hanna was a standout athlete, competing in both track and cross-country
throughout her college years. Her academic and athletic accomplishments were recognized by
her inclusion on the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Academic Honor Roll for three consecutive
years. In addition, Hanna was honored with several prestigious awards, including the Fellowship
of Christian Athletes (FCA) Collegiate Athlete of the Year Award and the 2015 Collegiate
Character of Excellence Award.

Hanna is a 2011 graduate of Decatur High School where she was a multisport athlete and was
involved with FFA and 4-H.

Today, Hanna remains committed to advancing the Texas A&M Institute for Equine Sciences,
supporting the growth and development of equine-related programs at the university, and
fostering a positive and impactful environment for students and the broader equine community.

Rachael Altman
Carnegie Library
Rachael Altman will be speaking to us about the Carnegie Library in Downtown Bryan.

For those interested in learning more about the Carnegie Library:

It’s one of the most distinctive buildings in Downtown Bryan. With its neoclassical-revival-style red brick, tall windows, white exterior finishes, and four tall columns climbing the height of the two-story building, it’s certainly the most distinguished looking.

Just inside the double-door entrance are two narrow wooden stairways—one to the right, the other to the left. About ten steps ahead is the central help desk, the heart of the first floor. The space surrounding it is cozy in the best possible sense of the word. Except for a couple of large study tables and some chairs, the entire floor is packed wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling with books, photos, art, and historical artifacts, many relating to real estate in the region. Upstairs is more of the same. The building smells pleasantly of old wood and even older books. The atmosphere is conducive to the building’s intended purpose: historical research.

Welcome to the Carnegie History Center.

Originally the Carnegie Public Library, the building is now a repository for rare historical materials (although the name on the structure has not changed). The center’s holdings are astonishing. They include family Bibles, old court records and school records, countless photos and maps spanning the early 19th century through the 20th century, and collections of documents donated by some of the city’s founding families. Some materials document aspects of the area’s history that are unpleasant but no less important. For example, the center has a zoning map from the ’50s showing how schools were segregated and original bills of sale from the slave trade (one written on what appears to be stationary from a London hotel).

Armed with such a rich treasure trove of documents (plus a little time and a lot of patience), even the most amateur history buff could piece together a respectably detailed history of the Brazos Valley, its real estate, and its people. That’s why the library’s resources are used largely for genealogical research.

Learn more about the Carnegie Library here!

The Winnie Carter Wildlife Center is an educational facility that offers undergraduate and veterinary students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a variety of exotic animal species. Each animal requires specialized management, husbandry, and medical care.

Students assist in providing care for the animals, similar to the duties of a zookeeper. This includes daily feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, and enclosure maintenance.

Our facility holds the highest standard of animal care, and we instill that in each of our students.

Patrick R. “Pat” Seiber is the Public Relations Director for the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC) at the Texas A&M–RELLIS Campus in Bryan, Texas.

Pat retired from active-duty military service on November 1, 2019, as a U.S. Army Colonel, and had the opportunity to serve as a public communications leader at the most senior levels of our nation’s military during his career. His roles and responsibilities at the BCDC include media posts and the coordination of events. These events include VIP guest visits, conferences, open houses, and facility tours. Should someone want to see all BCDC has to offer, there is a good chance Pat would serve as your tour guide. He also serves in this same role with the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute and the Texas A&M University System Nuclear Security Office.

Pat holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication from Texas A&M University, a Master of Strategy degree from the U.S. Army War College, and a Master of Military Art and Strategy degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Pat lives in College Station, Texas, and is a husband, father, Texas A&M Aggie (and Aggie Dad!), and “Soldier for Life.”

Tri-Club Social 

4B Ranch 3788 Pate Road, College Station Texas 77845

5:30 PM to 9:30 PM   Join us for a fun evening a the Beer Garden Fundraiser in support of Polio Eradication.   Aggieland Rotary, Bryan Rotary and College Station Rotary will all be out to help with this great cause! It’ll be  a great night of good brews, good company and supporting a great cause. All proceeds benefit efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.  Bring your friends, your favorite snack and your spirit of generosity.  We can’t wait to see you there!

Speaker Bio – Ethan Brisby 

Ethan Brisby serves as the Administrator of the Brazos Valley African American Museum, where he is dedicated to preserving, sharing, and advancing the history and cultural contributions of African Americans in the Brazos Valley and beyond. A proud Bryan native, Ethan combines a deep commitment to his local community with a global perspective shaped by his work in education, economic development, and cultural exchange. 

Ethan is a graduate of Morehouse College with a B.A. in Urban Studies and Texas A&M University with a Master’s in Land and Property Development. His professional journey spans leadership in nonprofit and business development, real estate, publishing, and international partnerships—particularly with emerging markets in East and West Africa. Through this work, he focuses on connecting communities, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities for cultural and economic growth. 

At the Museum, Ethan’s vision is to strengthen the institution’s role as both a guardian of local history and a catalyst for future progress. He is passionate about community engagement and ensuring that the museum remains a living, breathing resource for education, dialogue, and inspiration. 

Whether working locally in Bryan/College Station or globally through his initiatives, Ethan brings a legacy-minded perspective to every endeavor, focused on honoring history, advancing opportunity, and building bridges across cultures.